October 3, 1960
Orem City Council met in regular session Monday, October 3, 1960 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor M. D. Wallace, Chairman; Councilmen Winston Crawford, Earl Wengreen, Alvin Rowley, Laird Billings, and Harley Gillman; City Manager O. V. Farnsworth; Attorney H. Vern Wentz; Engineer L. V. Beckman; Treasurer Victor H. Christensen; and Recorder Anne Cooper.
Meeting opened with prayer by Alvin Rowley.
Councilman Winston Crawford reported that during the last week radar equipment had been demonstrated as a means of controlling the speed of traffic by the Police Officers. The cost of the two types of equipment is $1,000 and $1,200. There is no recording device on the equipment, but the faster car is detected, coming and going, even though the Police car is in motion. There seems to be little difference in the different priced equipment.
City Manager Farnsworth stated that the equipment can be purchased on terms without interest.
Mayor Wallace stated that Utah State Highway Patrol, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Provo, and other cities use the same equipment.
City Manager Farnsworth stated that it should be understood by everyone that the purpose in purchasing the Radar Equipment would not be for revenue but to control traffic, and to prevent accidents where ever possible, to which the Council concurred.
Winston Crawford moved that the City Manager be authorized to purchase the equipment with super powered transistor tubed radar unit, and work out any financial arrangements necessary. Also, that publicity is given in the Press stating fully the reasons for procuring this equipment. The motion was seconded by Alvin Rowley, and passed.
Winston Crawford stated he is concerned for young people who drive without a license or are too young to obtain a license. Also, scooters, motorcycles, and even bicycles are a major problem. Councilman Crawford suggested enlisting the aid of Auxiliary Police to appeal to parents or someone before someone is killed. The main purpose for licensing bicycles is to inspect the bicycle for safe brakes, lighting, etc.
Councilman Crawford suggested a possible safety training program for the young people.
Dee Pyne, Orem Chamber of Commerce member, stated that the J. C.'s are contemplating a bicycle safety program using reflector scotch tape.
The Judge's report for September was read by Winston Crawford. There were a total of 116 cases heard during the month and a total of $1,469.00 was taken in fines.
Due to the fact that there were so many violations by motorists passing school buses stopped for loading or unloading, it was suggested that additional publicity be given the problem, by seeing that the public is properly informed on the problem. Mayor Wallace suggested that Councilman Crawford and City Manager Farnsworth work with the Safety Council on the problem.
The following Board of Directors of the Orem Chamber of Commerce and other members of the C of C met with the Council: John C. Huish, Chairman; Milton Johnson, Dean Abbott, Charles E. Rohbock, Marvin H. Burgon, Glenn Robertson, and Dee Pyne.
Mayor Wallace welcomed the Chamber of Commerce members and stated that they had been invited to meet with the Council to propose working together in promoting the best interests of the City.
It has been rumored that the Council is not helping the businessmen, and that the businessmen are not helping tie City Fathers. The Councilmen have done all they can do since the first of the year. Each person present was asked for suggestions.
Milton Johnson, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said that he admired the Council for inviting Civic groups to meet, stating that unity of all groups is the answer to many problems. All the Chamber of Commerce is asking is that the City Council recognizes the businesses in the City, and contact and has confidence in them. Mr. Johnson stated that he does not want personal favors, that he wanted the business men to speak their honest opinion, not necessarily pat the Councilman on the back, and then talks behind their back.
Chick Rohbock stated he feels the same as Milt Johnson, but also wants to acknowledge the government of the City. He commended Councilman Crawford for suggesting that the Civic Organizations meet with the Council. Mr. Rohbock stated that he feels "we" do not appreciate the soundness and judgment of the men, and that they (the City Fathers) should not be criticized too much. We all need to promote "good will" for the good of the City. All the Councilmen should be members of the Chamber of Commerce, also the Attorney, as their support is needed. The Council also needs the support of the Chamber of Commerce.
John Huish stated that the City had recognized the Chamber of Commerce more the last two years than at any time previous. However, he felt the C of C hasn't been asked enough to help in City affairs for instance, the Chamber of Commerce was not called in when the State Road Commission proposed the channelization of U. S. Highway 91 (State Street). Now a street lighting program is being planned, and he feels the business men should be asked to give their opinion.
Mayor Wallace stated that the intent of the Council was that the Chamber members who have been invited to attend every Council session should make notes of City problems and take them back to the C of C group. The same problem is usually discussed several times at the Council meetings before action is taken, so there should be no need of the problem not reaching the business men.
Mayor Wallace also stated that it is the wish of the Councilmen that the business men come to the Council with their own problems.
John Huish said he felt there isn't much that can be done by the C of C unless it is to help in planning. The C of C feels that the Council should ask them to come in, as then there would be no feeling that they are protesting.
Winston Crawford suggested that a member from each Civic Organization be appointed to make up a coordinating Council in order that these problems can be studied and worked out.
Milton Johnson stated that most of these organizations are represented in the Chamber of Commerce.
Winston Crawford said that each member of the Coordinating Council should speak for the Organization from which he had been chosen.
Marvin Burgon stated that he is new in the Community, has been analyzing several problems, and wanted to go contrary to Milt Johnson. The "City Fathers" have a big responsibility. He wondered if Organizations should be asked to come in, as he felt they should offer their services as a matter of cooperation.
Glenn Robertson stated that peddling is a problem in Orem which merchants agree is not a good thing. He feels he does not think it fair to tax one and not another.
Enid Peterson, C of C Secretary, stated that she feels the members of the "Chamber" have an unselfish attitude. They do a lot of work without any compensation except Civic pride.
Dee Pyne stated that Orem is on the verge of becoming a great City. Something has to be done. Majority of people work somewhere else, that all are guilty of not patronizing Orem businesses. Orem businessmen should be given more consideration. The City should demand service from the Chamber of Commerce.
Dean Abbott stated that he is a firm believer in "action speaks louder than words". Steelmark Days was a big success and he hopes it will be better next year. Members of the Chamber of Commerce were more than helpful.
Councilman Harley Gillman stated people should be civic minded enough to come in with problems. The "Farm Deal" had to be kept quiet due to the fact that the proposition had to go to a Board of Directors. He feels the public should be informed on everything.
Councilman Wengreen feels it's the same no matter what organization it is as those outside don't know the facts. It is better to become acquainted with facts. The Chamber of Commerce should also know where the money is coming from for these programs. There is nothing secretive about the City government. Personally, he has enjoyed working with these Civic Clubs.
Mayor Wallace reported that the "white way" lighting would require a two mill levy (approximately $25,000) to pay the power bill. Do we feel it will bring in enough business to warrant the expenditure?
Milton Johnson stated that it is impossible for them to keep track of all problems and reiterated that he feels the Council should call upon them for help.
Councilman Rowley stated that he has enjoyed working under Ex-Mayor Hansen and Mayor Wallace, and found that they always tried to be fair. The Federal Government pushed the channeling of State Street, saying take it now or leave it. He feels it's one of the "best things that ever came to Orem". Ex-Mayor Hansen spent several days in Salt Lake City on the project. The Council didn't have much cooperation from the Orem business men.
John Huish stated that the channelization problem had been brought up to emphasize that they can be of service.
Milton Johnson stated that activity is hard to get in Orem, whether in Council or Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Wengreen stated that the Council made the initial step in inviting the Chamber of Commerce. He feels lack of information and evidence has caused misunderstanding which can be corrected when truth instead of rumors is brought out.
Glenn Robertson felt that the other organizations are not the same as the C of C and could not be of assistance to the Council as they do not have the same interests.
Chick Rohbock agreed that the Chamber of Commerce is the only organization that can assist in "this way". The City has to recognize them before they can see "eye to eye".
Enid Peterson stated that the C of C "feel down" on the parade (Orem Booster) as they felt it better to take part in some project such as a fountain for the North Park.
Councilman Wengreen stated that the celebration this summer was successful due primarily to outside talent.
Winston Crawford suggested that the problem be studied by getting other groups together.
Mayor Wallace thanked the Board of Directors of the Chambers of Commerce for coming in and participating in the meeting.
J. Reed Burgener, Police Chief, introduced Fred Willoughby, Alden Campbell, Darcy Dove, Wallace Stevenson and Earl Holdaway, applicants for police office to take the place of Howard Ohmie who had resigned for other employment. After talking to the applicants the Council advised Police Chief Burgener to hire the man he felt most suitable for the job. Mr. Burgener stated he would prefer hiring Fred Willoughby as he has had police training, and is on the Logan Police Force at this time.
Attorney H. Vern Wentz reviewed the Cabaret Licenses' special clause for license fee for remainder of the year 1960, and other recommended changes. Motion was made by Laird Billings to approve the Ordinance No. 9, an ordinance providing for the licensing and regulation of establishments, associations, and corporations that allow consumption and possession of liquor on their premises; and providing for a penalty for violation. The motion was seconded by Alvin Rowley. Voting Aye were Earl Wengreen, Alvin Rowley, Harley Gillman, and Laird Billings. Voting Nay, Winston Crawford. Motion passed by majority vote.
Jack Chappell and Gene Glover met with the Council regarding paving costs adjacent to their property on 1810 South between 350 and 400 East Street in Special Improvement District E. Minutes of August 8, 1958, were read which showed that several property owners in this area had met with the Council and petitioned to be included in District E in order that their property would conform with the surrounding area. Gene Glover stated that he had contacted three gentlemen who had been interested in developing the subdivision, and had been told that money had been deposited with someone other than the City for surfacing the Street.
Attorney Wentz stated that under the law the Notice of Intention gives the property owners the chance to protest the Improvement. Now the time is past and the improvement in, and no protest can be made, The Board of Equalization sits to hear of unfair charges. In fairness to others this area cannot be deleted.
City Manager Farnsworth informed the delegates that the “B” and “C” money has to be programmed by March 1steach year, and then accepted by the State Road Commission.
Gene Glover asked if he will have to pay for additional paving of 400 East and 1600 South where he has other property when a wider street goes in. He feels the additional cost should be paid by "B" and "C" funds. A school is supposed to be built in this area in the next two or three
Years.
Harley Gillman informed Mr. Glover to come in to the Council when he is ready for the improvement as the Council does not know what funds will be available.
Alvin Rowley stated that a 30 ft. strip of paving must be put down the center of the street by the property owners before the City provides paving to the curb. This is the policy at this time as it has been since November 10, 1958, when the policy was made.
Gene Glover expressed appreciation for time spent on his problem.
Councilman Billings reported that two bids for Library Equipment have been received, one from Utah Office Equipment Company, and one from Pembroke's Office Outfitters. Councilman Wengreen stated Pembroke's bid included steel tables which he feels are too noisy for a library, and will look good for a few years only, and recommended purchasing the wood tables.
Councilman Billings said it is hard to make a comparison of the bids, as plans are different, that it is a matter of how much the Council wants to pay for equipment.
After further discussion, motion was made by Laird Billings to award the bid for Library Equipment to Pembroke in the amount of $2,610.50. The motion was seconded by Harley Gillman. Councilmen Voting Yea, Winston Crawford, Alvin Rowley, Laird Billings, and Harley Gillman. Voting Nay, Earl Wengreen. Motion passed by majority vote.
City Manager Farnsworth reported that the practice of charging for sewer service on homes which are unoccupied, but where it is the desire of the home owner to leave the water on to maintain the landscaping, has been objected to by some home owners. The City Manager stated that the charge is actually for maintenance and new lines, and recommended that the Council study the problem.
The City Manager also reported that Dean Parks has a 4" water line to the Timp Bowl with a 2" meter, coming from the 14" line from the water tank. The City is supposed to be using two shares of Alta Ditch water owned by Dean Parks according to an agreement between the City and Dean Parks. The matter was tabled for further research to determine the provision of the agreement.
The Council adjourned at 11:30 P.M. to reconvene as a Board of Equalization to review the minutes of the Board of Equalization on Special Improvement District "E", "F", and "G".